Guide · Updated 2026-09-16
This is not a "you'll make money exporting" article. In recam's measurement, only 7 of 40 model×market pairs kept a positive net, and only one stayed positive day after day (as of 2026-09-15). For those who still want to start, here is the procedure and where the proceeds disappear.
recam's 2026-09 model deducts, in this order, for a ¥100,000 body in the 2 kg band shipped to the US:
¥59,489 remains — about 59% of the sale. Subtract your purchase price for the net. The cheaper the item, the heavier shipping and fixed fees weigh; a ¥20,000 vintage lens loses close to half.
Since 2025-10-17 eBay requires Delivered Duty Paid shipping for US-bound parcels from Japan under $2,500. Camera bodies, lenses and film cameras land at an effective 12.5%. Any article that assumed the buyer pays the duty gets a different answer from this one point.
For the UK, Germany and Australia the buyer generally bears import VAT/GST (eBay collects it from the buyer under £135 / €150). The seller receives the listed price, so recam does not deduct these.
Japanese consumption tax is not charged on goods consumed abroad. To claim the exemption you keep proof: the customs export permit above ¥200,000, or for EMS/parcels up to ¥200,000 the Japan Post acceptance receipt plus your shipping slip with business name, item, quantity, value, recipient and date.
A registered (taxable) business can deduct — effectively recover — the consumption tax included in purchases. On a ¥199,800 purchase that is roughly ¥18,000, more than all the fees in the example above. Exempt small businesses cannot. Worth a conversation with a tax accountant.
In 14 of the top 20 rows the cheapest overseas listing was itself from a seller located in Japan. The 'overseas price' is largely other exporters' asking prices; the spread is already being pursued. Watch the rows that stay positive for many days.
All figures are estimates and change with fee, postage and tax revisions. This is not legal or tax advice. Listing prices are not sold prices. Nothing here guarantees a profit; in recam's data only 7 of 40 pairs kept a positive net.